Inside Voice Podcast

Anyone else heading into the new year feeling like they took themselves out of the game? I feel you on that. My word for 2023 was "Embrace" which was meant for me to grow where I was planted, but somewhere along the way, I just took myself out of the starting lineup of my own life. It's time to take back control of the game. It's time to draw up a new game plan and put the ball in your own hands. This is your moment, your year, your life. And no one can play it better than you. 

Gosh fear loves to hold us back. It can completely paralyze us in life. Not only can fear stifle your hopes and dreams, it can also prevent you from moving forward with things that matter - like your health. I have procrastinated on a doctor's appointment for over a decade only to find out I had nothing to be afraid of. As it turns out, we're afraid of more than just failure. So let's dive into the three things that are holding us preventing us from living our best lives. 

Are you on your phone right now? I realize how redundant that question is. Of course, you're on your phone. How else would you be listening to this episode. I guess a better question is, how often are you on your phone? Do you find yourself mindlessly reaching for it in order to mindlessly scroll social media? I don't know about you, but I don't want to go through life "mindlessly." And to be frank, this little device is probably keeping you from achieving the life you truly want. How? Well, you'll have to hit "play" to find out. 

After spending two days at the ACM Awards on media row, I've come away with some truths that I think we need to be reminded of. It's hard not to be inspired and motivated after having conversations with 50+ people who are striving to achieve their dreams at every level. We talked with people who are brand new in the music industry and those who are veterans, plus those who have been working so hard for years and are finally seeing the fruits of their labor. Some of these truths are hard to hear while others are simple yet incredibly motivating. So, let's dive in.

Can we stop with the perfectionism already? We're holding ourselves back and stifling the growth of our lives because we're so hung up on how things "should" be. This prevents so much for manifesting in our lives and quite frankly, it's hurting the relationships around you. Don't you think it's time to hang up your old ways? I've got some tricks that I think can help you combat this nasty perfectionism bug. Let's dive in!

You've got dreams. You've got big dreams How in the world are you supposed to achieve them? The secret sauce is to create bite-sized, snackable habits that can serve as the building blocks to crushing those dreams.  See, the great thing about habits is that you don't have to think about them. Think about your bad habits. You catch yourself engaging in them before you even realize what's going on. Now, imagine having good habits that propel you toward your dreams and you don't even have to think about doing them. That is the secret sauce to achieving your dreams. 

We've all got dreams. Maybe you're living some of yours right now or perhaps you've tucked yours away because they didn't seem achievable. Let me tell you, the things you want in life can absolutely happen - they just might not happen all at once. So how do we build the dreams we want? The secret is getting all of those big beautiful dreams out into the light. Then, we start building. So grab your hammer and your nails and let's get to work!

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for an upgrade. Life has been rough the last few years for all of us. Couple that with anything hard that has happened in your life and it feels like we've stopped dreaming. Y'all, it's time to dream again. It's time to get excited about life and the future. It's time to feel like ourselves again. If you're like me, you're ready to take all of these ashes from the things you've lost in your life and turn them into diamonds. So let's get to work. 

Have you ever tried to run a race while looking backwards? Chances are you've looked back while running or while playing a sport, but eventually you realize the best way to run is to be focus on what's ahead of you. Looking behind you increases your chances of tripping or running into something. The same is true for our past. If we are constantly focusing on what's behind us, we risk never reaching our final destination or hurting ourselves in the process. When it comes to the hard moments in our lives, we can't let them force our focus in the wrong direction. Instead we must harness their strength an use it to propel us forward. 

Ever notice how powerful words are? We understand the power of positive self-talk when it comes to motivation. However, affirming yourself and speaking hope into your life is just as valuable when dealing with your past. There are dark things that linger in our past, but we can't let those thing consume us. It's about time we re-framed our thinking and our speech surrounding those moments. 

Can we be honest? We've all had things in our lives that have hurt us. If you're like me, you've stuffed that hurt so far away into the darkness. Y'all, it's time to shine the light into that darkness. Facing your past gives you control over it. If you can expose it, you can take away it's power and turn it into something good. It's not easy, but it's worth it. And there are things you can do to prepare yourself for future hurts. So, grab your flashlights and lets dive in. 

Last week, I ripped the Band-Aid off. I took a flashlight, pointed it at the darkest part of my life and turned it on. And I did it in front of you. It wasn't easy and I was so incredibly scared, but you know what... I feel so much better on the other side. See light drives out darkness and there's value in illuminating those spaces that we've locked up inside us. It's not easy and it's beyond uncomfortable, but sometimes we have to endure discomfort in order to attain what we truly want in life.

I'll admit, this is the hardest episode I've ever released. I've avoided recording it and even told myself I would never would. However, the more I put it off, the more I felt inauthentic - which goes against the rules of the Inside Voice Podcast. For weeks this sat in a folder on my desk and I had every intention on keeping it tucked away. And yet, here were are... ripping the Band-Aid off and letting one of my deepest wounds see the light of day. I hope that by shining light on this darkness, it will lose power over me and, in doing so, encourage you to turn on the lights in those dark spaces of your own life. I have no idea what will become of this episode or where it will lead, but it's time to give this whole thing over to God. It's heavy and it's raw. But thank you for listening.

Happy New Year! What a wonderful time of hope and dream casting. We have so many visions of what we will look like at the end of 2023, but how many of us will accomplish what we set out to change? If you want to be successful this year, there are some hard truths you might need to hear. That's why I'm here - to tell you what "they" don't tell you about this time of year so you can be successful on your journey. So... let's dive in!

Whether you want to admit it or not, we need people in our lives. We are social beings and are craving connection. And no, social media isn't cutting it. As humans, we are meant to be social, but it's so easy to turn down opportunities to truly connect with one another. Why? Because it takes effort, time, and energy. We prefer to sit at home binging Netflix because it's comfortable. The problem however, is doing that leaves us feeling lonely and abandoned. It keeps up from some of the biggest blessings in our lives - people. 

Let's get moving! A few years ago, I made a commitment to move my body daily and boy, has it changed my life. So of course I had to make it part of my 5 Game-Changing Habits That Completely Rocked My World series. How often do you move? Are you taking care of your body so it will ultimately show up for you? It's time we get moving for US. What do you say?

What a blessing it is to eat... am I right? We have to nourish ourselves, but the fact that we get to enjoy that process is wonderful in and of itself. If you're like me, you've tilted the scales too far from nourishment and too far into enjoyment. We all struggle with it. So how can we get ourselves back to a place where we are taking care of our bodies through food? After all, what we eat effects everything about us. Let's dive into some tips and tricks to care for yourself with what's on your fork. 

Ever lose sleep thinking about losing sleep? Getting enough shuteye on a regular basis can be a stressful topic that can quite literally keep you up at night. However, sleep is a vital part of healthy living. You body, mind and spirit need it. So how can we hack our routines and set ourselves up for success when it comes to laying our heads down at night. From an unofficial "olympic" sleeper, I've got some tips and tricks for you. 

Are you chasing happiness? Have you found yourself unsatisfied or let down? Perhaps it's time to stop looking for happiness outside of yourself? It's far better to start within on your journey to happiness. It can be as simple as taking care of your mind and being aware of what you're feeding it. Let's dive into ways that you can check your mind and get it on the right track in order to cultivate happiness on a daily basis. 

Are you happy? It's a simple question, but perhaps the answer is complicated. We all want happiness in our life, but we find ourselves falling short. There are some reasons why we might not be happy that you might not have thought about before. So, what do you say we dive in and explore some of those? Buckle up, it might be a bumpy ride with some hard truths along the way.

Oh, time. There's never enough of it. We love wasting it, but we hate losing it. We all want more time in the day. We throw up our hands each night and wonder where the time has gone. We question why we feel stuck on a wheel, never getting to where we want to be. Perhaps a change in mindset - is the key to productivity. What if making the most of your day really boiled down to one simple question that could unlock your ability to knock out that to-do list. Wanna know what it is?

Contrary to popular belief, your life is not that big. It's not a big collective moment, but rather a million small moments. And if you're only looking for the big moments - the vacation, the birthday, or the job promotion - to satisfy you, then you are missing out on an infinite amount of small things to bring you joy. Your life is not the past nor is it the future... it's right here. Don't you think it's time to enjoy it?

I know what you're doing and you should really stop it. You're living a beautiful life with blessings and so much to be thankful for. And you're miserable. Why? Because you're nitpicking everything. You are belittling the good things in your life and you're wondering why you're unhappy. I know this because I do the same thing. Don't you think it's time we stopped sabotaging ourselves?

As many of you know, I've been grieving the loss of my mom for the better part of the last year and a half. Lately, I've been realizing how quickly I can fall into a pit of anger. I get angry that my mom isn't here for so many things in my life. What I'm learning to do is combat those feelings with specific tools to help get myself out of the pit faster. I think these tools are valuable for just about any part of our lives. So, I'm sharing them with you. 

When it comes to your life, the people in it and your career, are you asking enough questions? I honestly don't think that we are. I get it, we don't want to appear dumb or incapable of doing things on our on. However, when we don't seek out knowledge or wisdom, we're limiting ourselves. Growth comes with curiosity, vulnerability and imagination. How can we put any of these things into practice if we aren't asking enough questions? Ultimately, when it comes to the things that matter most to us, we shouldn't shy away from seeking information.

I'm willing to bet, if given the opportunity to change the world, just about everyone of us would jump at the chance. We all want good in this world for us and for our loved ones. But often times we don't allow ourselves to try to change the world because it seems like a daunting and impossible task. What if I told you, it's much more simple than you think. In fact, you can start changing the world today. Wanna know how? 

Ever notice how getting started is the hardest part of achieving any goal? Most people procrastinate because they've convinced themselves that if they never start, they never have to fail. The starting line is difficult however, taking that first step is imperative to achieving what you want. That first step brings you clarity, direction, passion, excitement, etc. Why would you rob yourself of all that? Look, I know it's scary, but this is your sign to jumpstart your dreams and get going!

Let's face it... critiques are uncomfortable. However, if we want to grow, often times we need them. Growth requires change and how can you change if you don't know what to change? This is why pretty much every professional out there has a mentor and why every expert is consistently seeking out more education. So how can we - this is gonna sting - foster critiques in our life? I've got three simple ways you can get the feedback you need and propel yourself forward. 

One of the biggest secrets I've learned about life is this... you have more control than you think. You may not always be able to control your circumstances, but you can control your reactions, your mindset, your next move. Too often we give up our control, whether we mean to or not. It's about time we changed that. Take back control of your emotions, your thoughts and your actions. Get back to being present in your life and enjoying it. 

Have you ever achieved a big dream? I recently did and honestly, it's been a rush. I'm learning as I go with this new level of success in my career and it's exhilarating... but also scary. I've pinpointed three things I want you to know if you're still chasing after those dreams. Now that's I've gotten to experience some of mine, I want to share with you. 

Every so often there's a podcast I do that feels like it was made for me too. As I reflected on the year I've had since losing my mom, I put this podcast together and recorded it the day she passed. A few days later I edited it and it was exactly what I needed to hear. These are timely lessons that became magnified in my grief - and occasional anger - in the last year. I hope they resonate with you as well.

What's the one thing we all want in life? Happiness. No one wants to go through life angry, sad, or anxious. So how do we cultivate happiness in our lives? I believe it starts with 5 fundamentals. These are things that are well within our control that we can start implementing in our lives today. If we can make these changes, then we are are well on our way to living a life that is fulfilling, enjoyable and peaceful. And isn't that what we want?

What does it take to make a dream come true? Having just had one of my big dreams happen, I'm breaking down the things I believe are necessary to catch your dream. Things we may have forgotten about, things you maybe haven't thought about and things that can serve as "cross training" for you journey. It's my longest podcast yet and I've got some super exciting news to share. Let's dive in!

I get it. Not everyone likes resolutions. They can be intimidating, scary, or an awful reminder of what you don't currently have in your life. It's OK to not partake. However, I would like to encourage you to set at just one goal for this new year. Notice I didn't use the R word? What are some ways we can create a target to aim at in 2022? How can we move toward it? I think I've got some ways for you. Let's dive in.

New year. New resolutions. New you... right? Well, it is a new year and we do have new resolutions, but we're missing the new "us." One reason we struggle with resolutions is because we focused on changing things about us, without really changing us. Mindset plays a huge role in whether or not we are successful in making lasting changes in our lives. So before you write down "lose 15 pounds" or "make more money"... start with changing how you are going to show up to make those things a reality. 

In case no one has told you... there is greatness within you. Now, it may not look like the greatness of those around you, but that doesn't make it any less great. You were born to do amazing things. And I'll let you in on a little secret, you're not too old and it's not to late to start pursuing them. But you gotta stop playing small. You've got to stop belittling yourself. It's about time you started seeing yourself as the star of your own life. With resolution time right around the corner, there's no better time to step into who you are.

Hi friends! Can you feel it in the air? Change is coming! Perhaps you have something coming down the pipeline or you're just drinking that New Years Kool-Aid... Or both! I'm ecstatic for what's to come in your life and I hope you are too. Today I'd like to share a few lies that I think we're been believing for far too long about changes. And we'll dive into ways you can combat those lies and take steps forward in pursuing your dreams.

Now before you come at me with pitchforks and torches because of that title, hear me out. We all have things that we want in our lives. We don't have them now and in order to get them, we have to make changes. This can be problematic for us, especially if we don't have confidence. And the reason we don't have confidence because we don't trust ourselves. So how to we build that trust and add to that confidence stock? I've got an easy habit for you to establish and you can actually start today.

I guess you could say one of the pillars of the Inside Voice Podcast is trying new things. I'm a firm believer that experiencing something new is good for us. It stimulates us mentally, it builds character, it sharpens our Inside Voice... the list goes on and on. Well my friends, I did something new. I took the leap into a new project and it has been exhilarating. Although it still new, I wanted to share a few things I've learned and what has helped me in this process. 

Can we all agree that the last year and a half has been heavy? Add in anything else that you may have struggled with in the last 18 months and it can be almost unbearable. It has left many of us in a fog, feeling disoriented and inauthentic. At least, it has for me. I haven't been showing up on social media for fear that people may view me as fake, especially in light of losing my mom earlier this year. So how do we get back to that place of being true to ourselves and showing up in an authentic way? Here's what has been working for me. 

We all know that comparison and negative talk go hand in hand right? You can't have one without the other it seems like. In my experience, there are three main things that I consistently compare myself to and it holds me back every single time. I'm sure you're first thought is "people on social media" and you would be right. But what are the other two? I find that the other impossible measuring sticks are our past and future selves. So let's dive in and unpack those. 

What's something we all want in life? Control. We want to feel like we are the lead actor/actress in our own lives. We seek that out by trying to control every aspect of it. And while we can't have control of everything, we can certainly take control of ourselves. Creating a routine, or daily habits, can give us the ownership that we need in a world that seems so chaotic. It may not solve all of your problems, but it will definitely prepare you to face them. 

Can we talk about loving yourself for a moment? And I'm not talking about some Disney channel mumbo jumbo. Do you have enough respect for yourself and the body you've been given to take care of yourself? It's not just about physical health. It's about your mental and emotional health. See, I believe that overall wellness starts will three very simple ways of taking care of yourself. Basic, easy-to-apply things that can change your life. In fact, they've changed mine. Wanna now what they are? Let's dive in. 

When is the last time you did something that you loved just because you loved it? It seems like a silly question, but sometimes we hold ourselves back from doing what we want. For me, I used to let who I thought I wasn't keep me from living life on my terms. This is why seeking your Inside Voice, who you are at your core, is so important. When you get to know you, you can start living life to the fullest without any reservations. So... who are you?

Over the last few weeks we've talked about the importance of our mindset and ways to shift our mindset. By far, I believe the biggest way to consistently keep your mindset in check is to focus on service. Much of the yuck in our minds comes from dwelling on ourselves. This is a result of an idle mind. However, if we can get our minds off of ourselves then we can start to shift our thoughts to something positive and motivating. 

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through social media looking at everyone's beautiful photos and just feel... blah? You actually close the app feeling worse than you did when you got on? This is because you probably (subconsciously) were comparing yourself to each of those photos. You decided (in you mind) that they have it perfect and you don't. If we're going to chase our big beautiful dreams, we can't start by believing we are without. Stop wishing for what you want and begin to see the things you already have that can propel you forward.

It's Part 3 of our Mindset Matters series. One of the limiting questions that can creep into our minds at times is, "what's the point?" I've asked this several times since losing my mom however, this thought can also creep in when we are chasing our dreams and we hit a speed bump. It can be easy to just throw up our hands. When this happens we need to ask ourselves, "what's my purpose?" This reminds us of what the point is and can keep us moving forward.

The word "can't" is one of the most limiting words in our vocabulary. How many times a day do you think you tell yourself that you can't do something? Perhaps you should keep a note with some tally marks. I think I tell myself I can't at least a dozen times a day. Part of changing our mindset is changing the dialogue we have with ourselves. The next time you hear the word "can't", flip the script and ask yourself what you CAN do. Even if what you can do seems small and underwhelming, it will get you moving in the right direction.

Have you ever thought about how powerful your mind is? You can change a lot about how you show up for everything in your life if you change the way you think. I've learned this throughout my fitness journey and I've done my best to incorporate it into my every day life. How can I be my own biggest advocate? Well, it starts with changing the way I talk to myself. But before we dive into the specifics, let's chat about why our mindset matters. 

Can you feel it? There's excitement in the air. There's a hope and an expectancy that we haven't had in quite sometime. I want you to grab onto that excitement and run with it. And honestly, it's about time we do. We need to get back to making plans, setting goals, dreaming big. Now, I know this feel awkward because we haven't done it in awhile and we are much different people than we were a year and a half ago. But let's get excited again. 

Am I the only one who is realizing just how long we have had to do life with less? Of course not. I know that we are all feeling the effects of the pandemic fog, which I believe is partially rooted in operating with less for so long. So how can we fix this? What if we went the complete opposite direction and began to give ourselves more? More self care, more hustle, more challenges... What do you say, are you in?